Frames for batik: types, selection and tips for use

Silk natural material is one of the thinnest products used as canvas for hand painting, better known as batik. Through the use of this technology, excellent definition of boundaries is achieved, because there is no mixed color. For the most part, people of art use a wide variety of colors in their works, after which the question arises, which frame should be chosen for batik. We will try to understand this issue.

One of the main and initial steps that should be completed immediately before starting painting is to purchase a frame for batik. A stretcher or frame is probably the main component of a future work of art: with its help, the canvas is tightly stretched, due to which the drawing will not be deformed due to fidgeting in place. We propose to consider several of the most popular variations for fixing the canvas.

• Sliding design. The name speaks for itself. Such a frame is very convenient to use because of the possibility of making a pattern of different shapes, sizes, etc. Previously, it was rather difficult to find such a frame, but today such problems do not arise. In any creative store, you will definitely find a similar product. It is required to select the size of the structure in advance. Then you have the opportunity to make pictures of different shapes: rectangular or square - it all depends on your imagination.

• Stretcher. In fact, it is a frame, but with only one difference - one side of the plane is beveled, which is done so that when tensioned, the canvas does not come into contact with the frame itself, respectively, and the paint will not flow under it. This design has its positive aspects, namely stability during operation. Simply put, it will not skew. However, it is necessary to have several stretchers, because there is no way to adjust the shape and size.

• Embroidery hoop. Frames are not very comfortable, some professionals use them, but the vast majority do not even consider such designs for their work. The hoop will not work for hot batik designs. If you still buy, then only the largest size, namely 35/40.

• Plastic frame... Convenient when finishing work, just wash, and most importantly - the probability of crack rupture during work is minimized. However, plastic frames have a rather high cost, while there are other, better variations at a lower price that are suitable for making batik.

• Professional frame. It is rightfully considered the best of all kinds of variations. The design has a rigid fastening, hooks, which are located along the rails, practically do not harm the silk fabric. However, the canvas needs to be pulled very carefully due to the sharpness of the fastening, and the fabric will need to be removed with the same accuracy.

After purchasing the frame, the belt should be properly tensioned. This process is not fast, but by following the instructions, you will get the job done efficiently.

All actions must be performed one by one:

• first of all, it is necessary to prepare the workplace;
• then we start assembling the frame;
• after that, you need to check the diagonal, as shown in the picture: if the sides are skewed, align with a slight tap of the hammer.

The tensioning process often differs depending on the frame design. Individual items in the set have studs for fastening, such as a professional frame - everything is simple here.

The choice of a stretcher for a future masterpiece is an important step that should be treated responsibly. Any defect in a product usually means a damaged batik. But by choosing the most suitable fastening method and correctly tensioning the fabric, you will save yourself from problems such as a fuzzy pattern or smudges.

For information on how to stretch fabric on a stretcher, see the next video.